Pimm’s o’clock

There is nothing nicer on a warm summer evening… or afternoon… or lunchtime… or any particular time to have a glass of Pimms. Pimms is a fabulous drink, a secret recipe of an alcohol base with flavourings which are difficult to identify but combine together to be utterly delicious. It is technically a fruit cup, and is mixed with a soft drink such as soda water, lemonade, tonic water… something with a bit of fizz, and then add whatever fruit you have to hand, such as strawberries, apples, slice of lemon or orange, along with cucumber and mint, to make a delightful drink. It is a feature of our family holidays, where before dinner in the evening glasses of Pimm’s are served, as well as gin and tonic for those who don’t care for it.

Pimm’s was the inspired creation of James Pimm, who was born in 1798, the son of a tenant farmer. He moved to London and it was in 1823 that he created a cocktail to serve with the fish on offer in the oyster bar he owned. His first ‘recipe’ was called his Number 1 cup, because that was the size of the little tankard he served it in. later cups were introduced using different liquors from the original gin in the No 1 Cup.

Other ‘Cups’ are:

Pimm’s No. 2 Cup which is no longer produced had Scotch whisky as it’s alcohol component

Pimm’s No. 3 Cup only remains in a version known as Pimm’s Winter Cup, and is brandy infused with spices and orange peel

Pimm’s No. 4 Cup is no longer on the market and the alcohol in it was rum

Pimm’s No. 5 Cup also no longer available but was based on rye whiskey